ALBION SIGN SIDWELL

Brighton & Hove Albion have signed midfielder Steve Sidwell from Stoke City, on loan until the end of the current season.

The 33-year-old Londoner completed the move this afternoon, having successfully passed his medical at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre earlier today.

Sidwell, who began his career with Arsenal, returns to Albion, where he had a hugely successful two-month loan spell in the Championship during the 2002/03 season.

Manager Chris Hughton said, "Steve is an experienced player who has played virtually his entire career in the Premier League. He knows this club, as well as a few of the squad and will supplement our existing midfield options.

"Beram Kayal, Dale Stephens, Andrew Crofts and others have been excellent in midfield for us this season, but we also need to make sure we have good options in every position of the team, and options which will be enough for us through until the end of the season.

"Steve brings that, and in addition, he is another experienced head; he is a player who's proven at the very top level of English football. Brighton fans will know Steve is also a great athlete and top professional, so I'm absolutely delighted he has decided to join us."
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